The Carbinieri scuba divers you see in the photos above and below have been searching for some days now, they being dropped in near the ship to explore its surroundings and innards for information surrounding the crash. This story has gained international attention due to the epic nature of it and, of course, its similarities to the most famous shipwreck of all time: the Titanic. Unlike that deadly wreck, the Concordia here turned on its side and did not fully dip under the icy waves.

The captain of the ship remains in police custody at this time amid allegations that he may have been able to stop the crash from happening but for whatever reason did not. Multiple manslaughter is the crime he’s about to be tried for, his sailing too close to shore and abandoning the ship before the rest of the passengers and crew two of the reasons why this man will never again be sailing. You can check out the rest of the HD photos at The Atlantic or head to our additional coverage to get the rest of the story as it unfolds.

[via The Atlantic]

The MT65 Presenter display is Full HD with 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution, supports 3D, and offers up to 32 simultaneous touch points. The LED backlit screen is rated for 50,000 hours and is protected by 3mm thick ultra-clear tempered glass.

Inside, the MT65 Presenter packs a quad-core Intel Core i7 2720QM processor with 8GB of RAM, 256GB SATA SSD, and a discrete GeForce GTX 460 GPU. It also has built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet connectivity along with stereo speakers, stereo microphone, an HD webcam with Carl Zeiss optics, and HDMI port.

Although the MT65 Presenter would be awesome to have in your home, at $17,500 it’s obviously priced for commercial use such as in museums or other public spaces. It will be available with either Windows 7 Professional 64-bit or Linux starting in March.

[via GizMag]

The flagship model is the DLA-X90R, followed by the DLZ-X70R and the DLA-X30. The top two models feature JVC’s 4K e-Shift technology and are also now officially THX 3D Certified. This certification means that the models had to pass more than 400 rigorous tests, including color accuracy in 2D and 3D, crosstalk, uniformity, grayscale tracking, deinterlacing, and convergence.

Other features to note about the projectors include a Lens Memory function that offers three memory settings to store custom focus, zoom, and horizontal or vertical lens shift positions, allowing for a constant height display ratio of 4:3, 16:9, or 2:35 without an additional anamorphic lens. The projectors also allow users to adjust 3D depth and subtitle geometry correction.

The JVC Procision Series D-ILA home theater projectors are available now. The DLA-X90R is priced at $11,999, the DLA-X70R is $7,999, and the DLA-X30 is $3,499.

The come equipped with 1200mAh Li-ion batteries, so don’t forget to charge up before you hit the slopes. The APEX masks also have the ability to home in on your location via GPS, so you (and whoever is watching your stream) will be able to log your exact location through the entire run. Next up is the EGO HD – a camera that can clip onto your bike, surfboard, kayak or that one time you decide to go skydiving.

The EGO HD is equipped with a water proof housing and also has the ability to stream live video over WiFi. Those of you wondering how to consistently keep up a WiFi connection while out and about could always carry your hotspot with you. This way nothing slows you down, and it would be possible to travel longer distances keeping up a live stream.

[videos processing]

Lenovo has apparently skinned the K91 with a “Sandwich” UI, pulling together traditional TV shows, video-on-demand (VoD) and internet apps. VoD is available in HD quality and automatically pulls out suggestions based on viewing history, plus there’s access to the Android Market and the homegrown Lenovo Store for games and other titles.

As well as a traditional remote, there’s voice control and speech recognition, while ICS’ Face Unlock feature can be used to turn on the TV itself. Thanks to Android’s networking capabilities you can access cloud-based content as well as stream media between PC, tablet, smartphone and the K91; you can also turn your smartphone or tablet into a remote. Lenovo has also prepared a gaming controller, for when you’d rather shoot something.

Unfortunately all this Android TV goodness isn’t going to be broadly available, at least initially. Lenovo says the K91 Smart TV is available in China immediately, with launches in the rest of the world “at a later date.” No word on pricing at this stage.

This next level HD is going to blow your socks off with 3GB GDDR5 memory and a memory interface of 384-bit and is sure to knock out some benchmarks with a base compute power of 3.5TFLOPS. You’ll be able to pick this piece of hardware up in a lovely black and red, and though the technology the device uses to attain its mystical combination of a rating of 300W with an idle board power of an undeniably low 3W, we’re sure to find it impressive come launch time.

This slide comes leaked from OBR-HARDWARE.com and though we cannot entirely confirm that it’s 100% legitimate, all the specifications do seem to line up well with what we’ve heard thus far. Now the question remains: will you buy one? We’ll be sure to let you know the full lowdown when the full release is dropped.

[via OBR]

The RED Scarlet is a 4K camera, which means it has the capability of shooting super high-definition at a full 4096 x 2160 resolution at slightly higher than 25 fps. It also shoots 3K resolution at 48fps, 2K resolution at 60fps, and a less usual 1K at 120fps for smooth slow-motion capture.

RED has worked hard to keep costs down for the modular 4K camera, but still kept a Super 35-leve sensor that’s typically found in models that are much more expensive. And its Redcode has virtually eliminated any bitstream artifacts when streaming. The camera is capable of streaming up to 50MB/sec of video.

[via Engadget]

Now that the 2011 iMac and MacBook Pro’s come with a FaceTime HD camera, it makes sense that Skype should take advantage of this and offer the option for HD video calling. The new feature also works with a variety of add-on high-resolution webcams. But to receive clear HD video calls its recommended to have a connection speed of at least 1.5Mbps.

The update also adds full support for Mac OS X Lion while promising backwards compatibility with Mac OS X Snow Leopard. Other improvements include new contact sorting, searching, and viewing options.

[via Skype]

Oppenheimer’s statement came as a response to Morgan Stanley analyst Katie Huberty, who questioned why Apple’s guidance estimates for the September quarter would dip by 12%. Oppenheimer explained that Apple will have “a lot going on in the fall with iOS 5 and iCloud” as well as a “future product transition that we will not talk about today.”

This seems to support rumors that an iPhone 5 would hit in September. In the months leading up to the next-gen iPhone launch, the sales of current iPhone models would slow down as customers anticipate the new handset. Hence, the lower revenue guidance of $25 billion compared to the June quarter’s $28.57 billion.

Other rumored Apple product transitions include an iPad 3 or iPad HD also believed to hit sometime in September along with 1080p HD support and new iTunes HD+ movie content.

[via Apple Insider]

AppleInsider has been told by sources familiar with the situation that Apple may offer a new HD+ format. A small number of films have been submitted to the iTunes store for release in the September and October timeframe that sport an optional 1920 x 1080 resolution. One of the films from 20th Century Fox is said to be encoded for 480p SD, 720p HD, and a new 1080p HD+ format.

The sources also suggest that a new Apple TV with an A5 chip may be in the works that will support 1080p streams. There was also evidence found in the iOS 5 code to suggest that 1080p would be supported in the new update. Add to that speculation of an iPad HD for September, and it looks like Apple users will finally be able to enjoy 1080p like everyone else, although no news about Blu-Ray for Macs yet.

[via AppleInsider]

The ColorStudio HD for iPad app works with the Griffin iMarker stylus like a digital coloring book. It includes over 30 animated and interactive coloring pages that react while being colored. The app can also detect whether a stylus or a finger is touching the screen so that kids will have to keep their fingers off the screen to prevent mucking up their creations.

Griffin is now shipping the bundled package of the Crayola’s ColorStudio HD along with the iMarker stylus for $29.99. The app itself can actually be downloaded for free from the App Store. Updates will continue to add new sets of coloring pages to the app.

[via CNET]

Comcast already offers phone services to about 8.5 million customers. With the increasing popularity of video calling and more television sets coming equipped with built-in cameras, the Comcast and Skype partnership seems like a good move to jump into this arena and increase their service offerings.

The new service will come with a monthly fee, although how much has yet to be revealed. Customers that sign up for the service will receive an adapter box and a camera mount for their TV and be able to make an unlimited number of video calls for no additional fee.

The service will start with 720p resolution that will eventually be bumped to 1080p. However, Comcast is still figuring out how they will go about bundling the service. It will require at least 1.5 megabits per second download speeds but won’t necessarily require Comcast voice and TV services.

[via SeattleTimes]

Current broadcast 3D systems basically squash the left and right eye image into a single frame, which are then expanded out and upscaled by the TV itself. That means the broadcasters can use the same HD pipes to send over 3D, but at the cost of picture quality.

The new Japanese Hybridcast system, however, uses digital broadcast paired with IPTV or internet-based video, with the Full HD picture for one eye going over the former and the Full HD picture for the other eye going over the latter. Since IPTV can lag behind broadcast TV, “time stamp signals that are embedded in airwaves for synchronizing video and called PTS also in video data to be transmitted via a communication line” are used to make sure the two feeds are matched up correctly when they reach the HDTV, the NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories said. “And we synchronize images for the right and left eyes based on PTS on the side of TV.”

3D sync is just one of the uses envisaged for the timestamping, which the NHK team rely on for their new Hybridcast system. That promises to deliver content to tablets and other companion devices that’s linked with what’s playing on the TV at that point in time, mixing together internet- and broadcast-based content with no difference between the two visible to the end-user.

The MT55 HD is a fully integrated system with a multitouch LCD, ultra clear hardened and tempered glass, powerful computer, UPS battery backup, cooling cell, and a Bose Audio system all in a clean pedestal table design. The pedestal houses most of the components including the PC and audio system so the table top surface remains thin at only 3 inches thick. The unit measures 31 inches tall to meet ADA (American with Disabilities) requirements.

The integrated PC is a HP system with Intel Quad Core i7 processor, NVIDIA Quadro 600 PCI video card, 4GB RAM, and dual 250GB SATA hard drives. The system runs Windows 7 Professional 64-bit and has a three-year HP warranty. The LED back-lit LCD is rated for 50,000 hours and is protected by a 5mm thick tempered glass. The multitouch overlay supports up to 32 simultaneous touch points.

The table supports WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, USB 2.0, and HDMI output. GestureWorks for Flash and Flex ships with the table to support more than 200 gestures and is the most advanced multitouch SDK available. Pricing information is not yet available.

[via Ideum]

The Touchscape table features a 47-inch LCD high viewing angle screen with full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution and is powered by a quad core processor. It utilizes a patented MT technology to track as many touches as possible on the screen. A self-monitoring system then automates updates, monitors performance and keeps the system alive.

The demo video below shows the Touchscape in action with native Windows 7 but also has its own platform that can run various programs whether or not created using its SDK.

[Via GeekyGadgets]

The H300 itself is designed to automatically capture the best looking crystal-clear HD video without the end user having to worry about settings and complex features.

The device boasts 30x Optical Zoom, and will allow users to take 5 Megapixel stills. The device feels incredibly sturdy and it’s video output, when viewed on the onboard LCD was very impressive. Battery life on the device is said to be up to 3 hours and when needed, it will charge via USB.

The HMX-H300 will retail for $599 when it’s made available this February.

Samsung wasn’t allowing anyone to dive into menus or get to use the massive television, but from the video output we saw the video was very stunning. However, all of the demo reel was slow moving, high quality video, if the device was running a fast paced movie, the end result might be a bit different.

No word on pricing, but we can imagine that it’s not going to be cheap when it’s made available later this year. But, if you’re looking for this device, and have the money, all you will need to worry about is if the 75″ display will fit in your living room space.

The drives have a unique holographic color-changing finish which Samsung is using to separate them from the less powerful consumer grade. Featuring USB 3.0, the drives are also backwards compatible with USB 2.0.

The drives will ship in Onyx black, Sapphire blue and Coral pink, with capacities up to 1TB.

If you’ve ever traveled on a bus for a long period of time, you know that it’s not the best adventure to have. Cramped, sometimes smelly, and usually packed full of other bodies, you need something to distract you from all of the uncomfortable nonsense. That’s why the movie theater bus is such a great idea. As you can see from the picture below, while the main aisle may be small, the seats are pretty well sized, and the general look and feel of the interior is attractive in of itself.

Also on the inside of the bus is a Blu-ray player, and a HD projector to make sure that you get to enjoy whatever movie your watching in the best possible picture. So, the next time you find yourself needing to travel a long distance in the UK and need to take a bus, maybe you should find your way onto this guy. Let’s hope they get the six others back in action sooner than later.

[via DVICE]

The MP-501 measures in at a minimal 175- x 128- x 15mm, and if you were to hold it in your hand, you probably wouldn’t even noticed its negligible 250 gram weigh-in. You can connect the MP-501 to a USB-connected device, which can then stream a plethora of video formats. But, if you’re more interested in the HD side of things, then you’ll be excited to know that it can output up to 1080p HD, thanks to an HDMI cable.

There’s even a mini-USB port on the back-side. So if you’re watching all those HD videos, you’d want to make sure that your media player can handle it. The MP-501 has an ARM Cortex A8 processor tucked away inside, And thankfully, it can play pretty much any file format available, as long as you don’t have any of that pesky Digital Rights Management (DRM) going on. Price wise, you’ll be looking at only $49, so that’s not bad at all.

[via Akihabara News]

While we’ve heard Nintendo go on the record and say that a next-generation Wii is still a ways off, there’s no reason to think that they’re being serious. After all, throwing everyone off, and giving them a huge surprise is part of the fun. Supposedly, the Wii 2 will not only be able to support HD output, but it will also have a Blu-ray drive tucked away inside. Now, we’re all for believing that Nintendo, as a whole, would love to get into the HD aspect of gaming and what not, but adding that Blu-ray player just puts a wrench in the whole system.

Not that it’s impossible. After all, it’s not like they can just put an HD drive — wouldn’t get much use, after all. So, adding the Blu-ray drive makes sense for what it is, and while digital downloads may become the main event in the next race for console domination, that doesn’t mean that people still won’t want to buy (and use) Blu-ray discs. At this point, if Nintendo does anything to actually improve their next generation Wii, it will probably be another monster success.

[via DVICE]

As the side of the camera suggests, you’ll be able to record all of your video in 1080p HD, it comes with an IR remote, and it’s waterproof up to 20 meters. Additionally, you’ll be able to snap up those snapshots at 5MP, and it also has an integrated G-sensor. There’s even an option for GPS, which means that if you reach some brand new place that all your friends would love to know about, you can tag it in Google Maps and show it off.

Despite the fact that Oregon Scientific says the ATC9K is ready to hit customer’s hands in just a matter of days, they’re still keeping the price under wraps. What’s also a little disheartening, is the fact that through the video you’ll see below, no audio is actually caught from the camera — just overlaid music. You can try to guess what that means, but we’re hoping it just means there’s no microphone at all, and not that it’s just so bad they have to cover it up.

[via Engadget]

The CinemaGo is, for all intents and purposes, just a re-imagining of the CinemaTube of last year. You still get the eSATA interface, USB 2.0, built-in WiFi, and a BitTorrent manager. On top of all that, you also get access to MUZEE Internet radio channels as well. Additionally, the box is also able to handle 1080p output, and it’s perfectly capable of supporting formats like MOV, WMV, and MKV, amongst a whole plethora of others.

As for storage, you can choose to either put media onto the box thanks to an attached hard drive, or if you’re into that whole futuristic wireless thing, you can utilize your home network, or a general Web-based connection. As for pricing, you’ll be looking at spending $149.99 when the CinemaGo releases later this year. Oh, but wait. If you pre-order now, you can circumvent that price, and actually get it for only $109.99. So, this may be the best time to pre-order.

Press Release:

brite-View CinemaGo with Internet Radio Debuts

The Perfect Compact Player, CinemaGo Offers Personalized Entertainment at Home or on the Go

SAN JOSE, Calif., June 30 /PRNewswire/ — brite-View by Xpike Innovation yesterday launched the CinemaGo (BV-5005HD Mini CG), a special version of the highly successful CinemaTube (BV-5005HD). The small, sleek CinemaGo’s eSATA interface data transfer speed is three times faster than a USB 2.0 interface. CinemaGo also includes a Wi-Fi adapter for easy network access, a torrent download feature and MUZEE internet radio channels.

CinemaGo’s vivid 1080p high-definition picture quality can be displayed on HDTV in all video formats, including MOV, WMV, MKV, AVI, VOB, DIVX, FLV and RMVB. Content can be delivered from a locally attached hard drive via the home network or the internet. MUZEE broadcasts thousands of sports, music, news and talk show channels from 210 countries. San Francisco Giants fans can listen to KNBR in a Miami hotel room, and music fans can groove to the latest European dance hits on Digitally Imported.

The CinemaGo’s compact design is perfect for enjoying personalized entertainment whether at home or on the go, even in the car. The eSATA interface, a feature requested by brite-View customers, lets users watch Blu-ray movies without waiting for the movies to load. Networking multiple CinemaGo devices enables content streaming and file transfer between attached hard drives.

“A good digital media player transforms your TV into an entertainment hub, showing content from your computer, a storage device or the network,” said Robert Lo, CEO of Xpike Innovation. “The CinemaGo does exactly that, with the potential to do much more.” Lo said talks with partners are ongoing, and hinted that firmware upgrades may bring even more web-based content and services to the CinemaGo.

The CinemaGo is available now for pre-order on brite-View’s website for $109.99.

About Xpike Innovation, Inc.®

Xpike Innovation, Inc. designs and manufactures consumer electronics that spice up your living room without breaking the bank. Xpike Innovation is a leading provider of home networking applications, online media access and digital home solutions, including full-HD media players/streamers featuring torrent download, powerline Ethernet adapters and 1080p HD wireless transmission kits. Backed by nearly 30 years of electronics industry experience, Xpike Innovation products provide rich Internet-based multi-media user experiences for consumers to enjoy with their HDTVs.

brite-View™ is a brand owned by Xpike Innovation, Inc.

Kodak’s quick to point out that the Playsport Video Camera is waterproof. You can submerge it up to 10 feet (3 meters) of water, and still keep snapping your favorite photos, or grabbing some HD video. That’s right, the Playsport can capture full 1080p HD video at a full 30 frames per seconds (FPS). It also features things like electronic image stabilization, a brilliant 2-inch color LCD display with an integrated LCD glare shield, and the ability to capture 5MP HD stills, at a 16:9 ratio.

You can also expect to find face recognition, and the ability to expand the integrated memory with either SD or SDHC memory cards, all the way up to 32GB. That’ll give you about 10 hours of HD video, give or take. It has the ability to upload images directly to social networking sites like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, using the software on the camera, or the USB cable that comes with it. Finally, you can pick up the Playsport Video Camera in three different colors: Abyss (black), Wave Crash (blue), and Adrenaline Rush (purple). It’ll set you back $149.99, but with all those features, you can’t pass it up, right?

[via Kodak; thanks Bryony!]

And, lucky for Cerevo, it’s the first digital camera to do so. The Japan-based Cerevo is happy with their new camera, which they’ve lovingly called the Cerevo Cam Live!. Owners will be able to livestream video from the camera, which will then be put on Ustream’s site, without having to upload from a PC or any other piece of hardware. Video will be streamed through the CIF, 352×288 reoslution, format, and the battery at a full charge will give you about two hours of livestream energy.

The best feature, though, is the fact that the Cam Live! will shoot videos in HD (1,280×720), WVGA (800×480), VGA (640×480), and “WEB” (320×240). And just in case you’re not a fan of options when you get done shooting a movie, or taking some snapshots, you’ll be able to let the camera upload to YouTube automatically. Physical feature wise, you’re still looking at a 9MP CMOS sensor, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, 3G HSUPA, a MicroSD card slot, USB port, and a 2.4-inch LCD display. And while the original was only sold in Japan, Cerevo plans to go international with the Cam Live! starting this Summer.

[via CrunchGear]

Just roll right off the tongue. The first of the batch, the ZX4300-01e, features an AMD Athlon II X2 235e processor, ATI Radeon HD 4270 graphics, and a 640GB SATA 7200 RPM hard drive. The first thing you’ll notice is the large, 20-inch touchscreen UltraBright LCD with 1600×900 resolution. It’s offered with Windows 7 Home Premium Edition, 64-bit, and it has 4GB of DDR3 dual-channel memory at 133MHz. It has a wireless mouse and keyboard, and has integrated WiFi 802.11b/g/n. The ZX4300-01e will be available at a major electronics retailer starting the first week of June, and will start at $749.99. Additional models, with faster AMD processors and TV Tuners will be available starting in July.

As for the ZX6900-01e, here’s what you get in the all-in-one package: an Intel Core i3 530 processor, a slot-loaded Blu-Ray/DVD drive, and high-definition audio with 5.1-channel surround sound support. It also comes with Windows 7 Home Premium Edition, 64-bit, but you can enjoy it a little bit more on your 23-inch touchscreen, UltraBright LCD, with full HD quality. It also has Intel Graphics Media Accelerator to take advantage of those HD graphics. You’re looking at 4GB of DDR3 dual channel memory (133MHz), a 640GB 7200 RPM SATA hard drive, and wireless keyboard and mouse. It’s also featuring built-in 802.11b/g/n WiFi, and it also has 6 USB ports. The ZX6900-01e is available right now in major electronic retailers nationwide, and you can pick it up starting at $1,019.99. There will be another model available in June, and will include the faster Intel Core i5 650 processor and a TV Tuner.

Press Release:

GATEWAY REFRESHES ITS STYLISH ALL-IN-ONE TOUCH-SCREEN ZX SERIES PCs, BRINGING MORE VALUE THAN EVER TO STUDENTS, SENIORS AND FAMILIES

ZX4300 Series features high-performance desktop components;
ZX6900 Series adds powerful Intel Core i3 and i5 processors and a Blu-ray drive

IRVINE, Calif., May 19, 2009 – Today Gateway introduced new models in its line of sleek, modern touch-screen all-in-one ZX Series desktop computers. The ZX4300 line sees the addition of AMD Athlon II X2 processors and other powerful desktop components, making it one of the best performing all-in-ones in its price range. The larger and higher-performing ZX6900 Series also gets a boost from Intel’s powerful Core i3 and i5 processors and the addition of a Blu-ray drive, making it ideal for home entertainment.

The ideal solution for cost-conscious consumers, Gateway’s all-in-one PCs easily double as a TV and/or home entertainment center, making them perfect for small rooms, such as a dorm, home office or kitchen. High-definition widescreen LCDs, powerful components and integrated wireless capabilities make it easy to play online content from a Hulu or Netflix account or connect to other online entertainment portals.

“Because all-in-ones integrate a desktop tower into the back of a flat-panel display, they typically use smaller, less powerful notebook components that don’t require a lot of space,” said Steve Smith, senior business manager of consumer desktops, Acer America. “However, Gateway was able to leverage the latest desktop components to give consumers the best of both worlds – powerful performance and lower cost, all in a stylish, space-saving design.”

The stunning Gateway One ZX Series resembles a sleek, glossy flat-panel TV with its ultra modern luxurious industrial design, and enhances the look of any room in the home. Ideally suited for a kitchen, den, bedroom or a home office, its touch screen display, wireless keyboard and mouse, webcam and integrated high-definition stereo speaker system eliminates extra components and clutter, for a clean and streamlined look.

With its snazzy touch screen capabilities, the One ZX Series delivers a fun, exciting way to interact with music, videos, photos, social media networks and more. By simply touching icons on the PC’s screen, consumers can launch applications, movies, music, zoom in and out on photos and websites, resize windows and handwrite notes.

Gateway One ZX4300 Series
The new ZX4300 Series now includes powerful desktop components, bringing increased performance and no-compromise computing to this elegant design. Students and families will find it ideal for movies, games and general computing.

The ZX4300-01e includes an AMD Athlon II X2 235e processor, 640GB 7200 RPM SATA hard drive and ATI Radeon HD 4270 graphics, and possesses enough horsepower to rival most mainstream desktops, and look better while doing it.

The Gateway One ZX4300-01e will be available the first week of June at a leading retailer nationwide. Additional models will be available in July and will include TV tuners and faster AMD processors.

Gateway One ZX4300-01e
• MSRP: $749.99
• Windows® 7 Home, Premium Edition, 64-bit
• Touch screen / 20-inch HD widescreen Ultrabright™ LCD / 1600 x 900 resolution
o Resolution: 1600 x 900 resolution
o Brightness: 250 cd/m2
o Response time: 5 ms
o Contrast ratio: 1000:1
• AMD Athlon™ II X2 Dual-Core Processor 235e (2.7GHz, 2MB L2 cache)
• Integrated ATI Radeon™ HD 4270 graphics
• 4GB DDR3 dual channel memory (1333MHz)
• 640GB 7200 RPM SATA hard drive (1)
• 8x DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti optical drive (slot load)
• Multi-in-one digital media card reader
• Wireless keyboard and mouse
• Integrated 802.11 b/g/n WiFi CERTIFIED®
• 10/100/1000 (Gigabit) LAN
• 6 USB 2.0 ports (2 side / 4 rear)
• Embedded high-definition audio with 2.1 channel support
• Built-in 5W stereo speakers

Gateway One ZX6900 Series
Featuring a large 23-inch touch screen with high-definition widescreen capabilities, the high-performance ZX6900 Series is ideal for enhanced entertainment and other productivity applications.

The ZX6900-01e comes loaded with an Intel Core i3 530 processor, a slot load Blu-ray/DVD drive and high-def audio with 5.1-channel surround sound support, so consumers can immerse themselves in online and high-def entertainment.

The Gateway One ZX6900-01e is available now at leading retailers nationwide. An additional model will be available in June and will include a TV tuner and the faster Intel Core i5 650 processor.

Gateway One ZX6900-01e
• MSRP: $1,019.99
• Windows® 7 Home, Premium Edition, 64-bit
• Touch screen / 23-inch full HD widescreen Ultrabright™ LCD
o Resolution: 1920 x 1080 resolution
o Brightness: 300 cd/m2
o Response time: 5 ms
o Contrast ratio: 1000:1
• Intel® Core™ i3 530 Processor (2.93GHz, 4MB cache)
• Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator HD Graphics
• 4GB DDR3 dual channel memory (133MHz)
• 640GB 7200 RPM SATA hard drive (1)
• Slot-load 4X Blu-ray player & Blu-ray Combo DVD burner
• Multi-in-one digital media card reader
• Wireless keyboard and mouse
• Integrated 802.11 b/g/n WiFi CERTIFIED®
• 10/100/1000 (Gigabit) LAN
• 6 USB 2.0 ports (2 side / 4 rear)
• 1 eSATA port
• 1 HDMI port
• Embedded high-definition audio with 5.1 channel audio support
• Built-in 5W stereo speakers

Essentially, Google is trying to open up the VP8 codec, which they acquired when they purchased the company On2. The WebM is a container that is based on VP8 video and Ogg Vorbis audio, along with Matroska. More than anything else, Google is proud of the power consumption of the new format, saying that it will work great on mobile devices like netbooks, tablets, and handsets. Additionally, to make sure the movement starts in the right way, Google said that beginning May 19th (today), all video uploaded to YouTube in 720p and up will be encoded in WebM.

Right now, Google’s Chrome, Mozilla’s Firefox, and Opera are all major browsers that support WebM, but Microsoft and Apple, with Internet Explorer and Safari, were not named. Hardware partners include: AMD, ARM, Broadcom, Digital Rapids, Freescale, Imagination, Logitech, Marvel, MIPS, NVIDIA, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, Veri Silicon, and ViewCast. Unfortunately, Intel wasn’t named as a hardware partner.

Update: Microsoft has just released a relatively tranquil response to their position on adopting WebM, but while they’re not necessarily ready to pre-install it right now, they’ll definitely support it. “When it comes to video and HTML5, we’re all in,” said Internet Explorer General Manager Dean Hachamovitch. By supporting HTML5, IE9 will also support playback of VP8 as well as H.264 video codecs. So, just one more to go, right?

[via WebM Project]

OmniVision have officially announced today the unveiling of their own in-bezel proposition for future camera needs of mobile products. With a z-height a full one millimeter smaller than Samsung’s version (3.5mm versus 4.5mm), we’ve got to say that the crown’s officially been taken. The big question, though: how’d they get it done? The company had to use their own 1.4 micron OmniBSI backside illumination technology, which incidentally makes it so that the their OV2720 CMOS sensor has double the low-light performance of similar sized VGA sensors.

Unfortunately though, OmniVision didn’t come clean on what products would be using the new set-up, but they did say that mass production should kick off starting next month, in June. They believe their 1080p camera is perfect for stand-alone webcams, as well as netbooks, but we hope someone figures out how to put this in a phone. You know, like the iPhone HD?

Press Release:

OmniVision Releases World’s Smallest 1080p HD Camera Solution

New OV2720 Utilizes 1.4-Micron BSI Pixel to Enable Ultra-Compact HD Video Solutions for Notebook, Netbook, Webcam and Video Conferencing Applications

SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — OmniVision Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: OVTI), a leading developer of advanced digital imaging solutions, today introduced the OV2720, the world’s first 1/6-inch, native 1080p/30 high-definition (HD) CMOS image sensor designed for notebook, netbook, webcam and video conferencing applications. Based on OmniVision’s 1.4 micron OmniBSI™ backside illumination technology, the new 1080p sensor delivers video conference quality HD video recording in a small enough form factor to meet the module size and height requirements of today’s thin notebook designs. The OV2720 is currently sampling with multiple tier-one customers and is slated to go into mass production in June 2010.

“Increased broadband capability, inexpensive high-quality image sensors and the increasing availability of high-quality external and embedded PC web cameras will drive both consumer and business video conferencing,” said Brian O’Rourke, principal analyst at In-Stat. “In 2010, we expect over 70 percent of mobile PCs to ship with embedded cameras, and the availability of sensors such as OmniVision’s OV2720 will make high definition video conferencing more popular in the notebook and netbook PC segments.”

“Consumer demand for HD video has never been greater. Display formats are moving to a 16 by 9 aspect ratio, TV broadcast is embracing HD, and social media platforms such as YouTube and Facebook are supporting HD,” said Nick Nam, product marketing manager at OmniVision. “With the OV2720, OmniVision continues to lead the industry in bringing to market innovative, high performance HD solutions, addressing the growing demand for the HD video-enabled devices of the YouTube generation. With the broadest portfolio of HD video products in the industry, we enable our customers to find the right solution for their price, performance and size requirements.”

The OV2720 is the first 1/6-inch sensor to offer native 1080p HD resolution. Native HD enables full field of view video with optimized image quality, sensitivity, color reproduction and clarity because no scaling or cropping is required to achieve HD resolution. The 1.4-micron OmniBSI pixel achieves best-in-class low light sensitivity of 680-mV/lux-sec, while enabling extremely thin modules with a z-height of 3.5 mm. Moreover, the OV2720 can use binning to further increase its low-light performance to double that of similar-sized VGA sensors. The OV2720′s outstanding low-light performance and slim form factor combine to make it an ideal choice for tier-one notebook manufacturers.

The OV2720 CMOS image sensor supports multiple platform architectures and controllers with both parallel and MIPI interfaces. It allows system designers to leverage the same opto-electrical design across various products and multiple market segments to reduce product development time. Exposure control, white balance and defective pixel canceling are programmable through the serial camera control bus interface. In addition, the OV2720 uses proprietary sensor technology to improve image quality. By reducing or eliminating common lighting or electrical sources of image contamination, such as fixed pattern noise and smearing, the sensor can generate a clean, fully stable color image.

About OmniVision

OmniVision Technologies (NASDAQ: OVTI) is a leading developer of advanced digital imaging solutions. Its award-winning CMOS imaging technology enables superior image quality in many of today’s consumer and commercial applications, including mobile phones, notebooks, netbooks and webcams, digital still and video cameras, security and surveillance, entertainment devices, automotive and medical imaging systems. Find out more at http://www.ovt.com.

Safe-Harbor Language

Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding the expected benefits, performance, capabilities, and potential market appeal, as well as anticipated timing of mass production, of the OV2720 are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties, which could cause the forward-looking statements and OmniVision’s results to differ materially, include, without limitation: potential errors, design flaws or other problems with OV2720, customer acceptance, demand, and other risks detailed from time to time in OmniVision’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including, but not limited to, OmniVision’s annual report filed on Form 10-K and quarterly reports filed on Form 10-Q. OmniVision expressly disclaims any obligation to update information contained in any forward-looking statement.

OmniVision® is a registered trademark of OmniVision Technologies, Inc. The OmniVision logo and OmniBSI™ are trademarks of OmniVision Technologies, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE OmniVision Technologies, Inc.

The Samsung NX10 features a mirrorless interchangeable lens system, and the company is still boasting that it has the fastest autofocus of its class. Additionally, there’s a APS-C side CMOS sensor for good measure. Shots come in up to 14.6-megapixels, while the camera is perfectly capable of shooting at 720p, 30fps HD video. And when we mentioned it back in January, we noted that it would be launching in the Spring of this year. Well, sure enough, we’re officially in Spring, and now here’s a limited edition version of the same camera.

Most interesting, though, is the back display. It’s a 3-inch AMOLED display, which probably makes this one of the sexiest cameras out there. The white and black coloring definitely makes it stand out, and we imagine it’d be a great accessory to bring along with you if you happen to have the desire to photograph wolves all sneaky-like in the snow-covered forest. Still no word on what it costs, though. But considering the paint job and the “limited” nature of the camera, we imagine it’ll be costly.

[via Wired]

Along with that megapixel count, you’ll also get 720p video recording, and that oh so important feature: geo-tagging with built-in GPS. You also get a 3.0-inch LCD screen on the back, and a 25-300mm zoom range. If you’re a camera hound, and you keep tabs of all the details, then you’re probably thinking this sounds a lot like a Panasonic ZS7. And, you’d be right. Because, it is a Panasonic ZS7, with some aesthetic tweaks to the body (which, we admit, makes it look a whole lot better), the software inside running the show, and ultimately –sadly– the price.

If you thought the Panasonic ZS7 was expensive, coming in at a cool $343, then you probably won’t want to even give the Leica V-Lux 20 a second glance: it’s supposedly going to come in at double the price of the Panasonic version. It’s supposed to be announced on the 20th of April, and it should be in stores some time around the 9th of May, if you’re interested.

[via Leica Rumors]

There’s also a 0.3-megapixel webcam, Bluetooth and a battery good, ASUS reckon, for up to 11hrs of runtime.  Thanks to the Broadcom chip you can expect YouTube HD to play smoothly, unlike on a regular netbook, together with Flash 10.1 support.  No word on when it might ship, but we’re guessing the release is imminent.

[via Netbooked]

Meanwhile they’re also smaller and have better low-light performance.  The 2.1-megapixel CMOS captures full 1080p HD at 30fps with a component height of less than 4.5mm, while the 1.3-megapixel CMOS grabs 720p HD at 30fps capability and is less than 3.5mm high.

The S5K5B3 also packs an embedded solid state auto focus enhanced depth of field (EDoF) function, which allows it to also shoot business cards held up close to the lens for optical character recognition.  Samsung is sampling the new cameras now, and expects them to hit mass production in the second half of 2010.

Press Release:

Samsung Electronics Announces High-performance, High-definition CMOS Imagers for Webcams

SEOUL, Korea, April 8, 2010 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a world leader in advanced semiconductor solutions, today announced that it has expanded its industry-leading portfolio of CMOS image sensors to include two new CMOS image sensors – the S5K6A1 and the S5K5B3 – for use in notebook computers and other devices requiring video capture. Samsung’s new 1.3Megapixel (S5K6A1) and 2.1Megapixel (S5K5B3) imagers were developed with a strong emphasis on high-performance, real-time high-definition (HD) images at up to 30 frames per second (fps) at full resolution for internet video/image sharing and high quality VGA resolution for applications requiring video conferencing.

“HD capable imagers are fundamentally changing the way consumers interact with their computers, making webcams a ‘must have’ feature in today’s notebooks and personal computers for high definition multimedia usage,” said Dojun Rhee, vice president, System LSI marketing, Samsung Electronics. “With an industry attachment rate of over 70 percent, we are fully committed to supporting this market segment with our advanced CMOS image sensors to provide consumers with quality images for video conferencing and sharp HD images.”

Low-light sensitivity during real-time video capture has also challenged image sensor designers. Using Samsung’s enhanced 1.75um pixel technology, new imagers have significantly improved sensitivity and reaches 70Lux of YSNR10. This is critical when the only illumination on the scene might be from the computer screen itself.

As LCD panel makers develop ever thinner panels, the space requirements for embedded camera imagers in notebook computers is shrinking dramatically. Samsung’s new S5K5B3 image sensor supports camera modules with full 1080p HD at 30fps capability in a z-height less than 4.5mm. Samsung’s new S5K6A1 image sensor has been designed for camera modules with 720p HD at 30fps capability in a z-height less than 3.5mm.

Samsung new S5K5B3 and S5K6A1 imager sensors support multiple platforms architectures and controllers with both parallel and MIPI interfaces. Using an embedded solid state auto focus enhanced depth of field (EDoF) function, the S5K5B3 imager is also designed to allow bar codes and business card reading without needing mechanical autofocus support, which is more costly and a larger module form factor.

According to market research firm, TSR (Techno System Research), the notebook and PC camera market is expected to reach 150 million units in 2010 and grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12 percent to reach 200 million units by 2013.

In accordance with the initial launch of the two high resolution imagers for computing and mobile applications, Samsung will continue to expand its product line up of image sensors supporting HD video capabilities and ever compact form factor requirements to secure market leadership in this growing market segment.

Samples for both of these CMOS image sensors are currently available with mass production scheduled for the second quarter 2010.

Texas Instruments had to create a special build of Android to support the Blaze’s dual displays, and they’ve been careful not to break app compatibility in the process.  Apps directly downloaded from the Android Market will simply run in the top touchscreen, with the bottom used more as a launcher.  However TI are working with developers to show them how to better take advantage of the multiple displays on offer, whether that merely be choosing which screen the software shows up on, to offsetting controls and other features across multiple panels.  Theoretically – on a non-QWERTY device – you could have an on-screen keyboard on one touchscreen and the app UI on the other.  Best news is, TI are feeding back their code to Google for potential inclusion in future Android releases.

We asked TI what differentiated OMAP4 from rival platforms, such as NVIDIA’s Tegra, and understandably they seemed confident their offering goes the extra mile.  In their own words, not all ARM cores are created equal, and something that might seem identical on paper might perform considerably differently in a real device.  TI reckon OMAP4 has better power management and performance than Tegra, as well as enhancements in graphics processing.  They’re also pushing their interlinked communications modules – such as the WiLink 7.0 – and highlighting their Neon companion cores which reduce main processor load by allowing devices to offset graphics crunching, such as Android’s open-source Skia graphics engine.

There’s also, of course, the ability to encode not only 1080p HD video, but 3D video.  OMAP4 is capable of simultaneously recording 720p HD quality footage from stereoscopic video cameras, and in fact TI say they’re “uniquely positioned” to offer dual-channel 3D.  While the Blaze’s main camera is on the back, up front there are two other cameras which can be used together to encode 3D streams; meanwhile, the OMAP4 is also capable of driving 3D displays when they become more widespread.  On a full charge of a regular 1,000 to 1,200 mAh smartphone battery, you could play in excess of 10hrs 1080p HD video.

As for availability of the Blaze unit itself, it’s currently sampling to some TI partners and will see broader availability midway through 2010.  Pricing is not yet confirmed, though to put it into context the company’s previous OMAP development device ran to around $1,000; Blaze will likely be a little more than that, thanks to the dual touchscreens and pico-projector.  The OMAP4 chipset, meanwhile, is also sampling right now, and should turn up in smartphones within the next year.

TI say they’re also in talks with PMP, PND, ebook, tablet and other consumer electronics vendors, though of course they’re mentioning no names.  Expect a variety of form-factors, however, potentially including dual-display clamshells and smartbooks.

Texas Instruments Blaze OMAP4 demo:

Panasonic has set suggested retail prices for the HDC-TM55 ($530), HDC-HS60 ($700), HDC-SD60 ($500) camcorders, in addition to the pint-sized  SDR-HD85 ($350), SDR-T50 ($270) and SDR-S50 ($250) models.

We first saw the variety of models back at CES of this year, and Panasonic has confirmed that all six models will all be available by mid-March 2010.

PANASONIC ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR 2010 STANDARD DEFINITION CAMCORDERS AND COMPACT-SIZED HD MODELS

SECAUCUS, NJ (February 9, 2010) – Panasonic today announces pricing for its compact High Definition models, the HDC-TM55, HDC-HS60 and HDC-SD60, and its full-featured standard definition camcorders, the SDR-H85, SDR-T50, SDR-S50. All six models will be available in mid-March 2010.

The Panasonic full-HD camcorders will be available for suggested retail prices (SRP) of $529.95 for the HDC-TM55; $699.95 for the HDC-HS60 and $499.95 for the HDC-SD60. The three Panasonic HD camcorders feature a 35.7mm wide-angle lens and a powerful 25x optical zoom. And with Panasonic’s new Intelligent Zoom feature, the new HD camcorders can extend to a 35x zoom. Intelligent Zoom corrects image degradation in ordinary digital zooming to deliver stunningly clear HD quality, even with the zoom fully extended. All camcorders record to SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards, while the HDC-TM55 also has 8 GB* of internal memory and the HDC-HS60 has a Hard Disk Drive that holds up to 120 GB.

Panasonic’s standard definition camcorders will have SRPs of $349.95 for the SDR-H85; $269.95 for the SDR-T50; and $249.95 for the SDR-S50. These camcorders may be small in size, but they have impressive features: a 33mm wide-angle and a long, powerful 78x ultra zoom – giving them remarkable range for capturing video both far and wide. Panasonic’s new camcorder models are packed with enhanced features to help make shooting quality video easy, including the new Active mode for the Advanced O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), helping to suppress blur even if the user is moving and when the long zooms are extended. Like the HD camcorder models, these models all record to SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards. Additionally, the SDR-H85 has an 80 GB hard disk drive, and the SDR-T50 has 4 GB of built-in memory.

For more information on all Panasonic LUMIX digital camera models, please visit www.panasonic.com/dvc.

* GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes.

The HS700 sports a 240GB hard disk drive, and the TM700, 32GB of flash-based memory.   Both models include SD / SDHC / SDXC memory card expansion, new 35mm wide-angle Leica lenses, 12x optical zoom and a gryo-sensor based Power O.I.S. optical image stabilization to reduce blurring.  14.2 megapixel still shots and 5.1 surround sound are featured on both the HS700 and TM700.

Considered the next step after the 300 series by Panasonic, both models haven’t been priced yet, but “Pricing and availability for the Panasonic HDC-HS700 and HDC-TM700 will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date.  Both will be available in black.”

PANASONIC’S NEW 3MOS HD CAMCORDERS PRODUCE TRUE-TO-LIFE COLOR AND EXCEL IN LOW-LIGHT ENVIRONMENTS

New 35mm Wide-Angle Leica Lenses, 18x Intelligent Zoom and Manual Controls Make HS700 and TM700 Perfect for Professional-Quality Video Shooting

SECAUCUS, NJ (February 9, 2010) – Panasonic today introduces two additions to its 2010 line of camcorders, the Panasonic HDC-HS700 and HDC-TM700, both Full High Definition (HD) 3MOS camcorders with 1920 x 1080 resolution. The new Panasonic HD camcorders combine 1080/60p recording – allowing them to capture expressive video without detail loss or Moiré pattern – with an advanced 3MOS system that produces vivid, true-to-life colors and excels in darkly-lit environments. The new HDC-HS700, records both to its large 240 GB* Hard Disk Drive or to an SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card. The HDC-TM700 has 32 GB of built-in memory as well as capability to record to SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards, and is the successor to last year’s popular and award-winning HDC-TM300. Both models have a 35mm wide-angle Leica lens and a manual ring for creative flexibility.

“For video enthusiasts looking for a feature-rich, high-performing, yet affordable High Definition Camcorder, Panasonic’s new TM700 and HS700 3MOS models will be a hit this year,” said Chris Rice, Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Last year’s TM300 was extremely popular and won several honors and awards for its video quality and performance, so with the improvements we have made with the TM700/HS700, including extended zoom, wider-angles and a more advanced image stabilization system, we are excited to give consumers the ideal tool they need to capture their memories with superb quality.”

The high-sensitivity 3MOS system provides an effective video image pixel count of 7,590,000 pixels (2,530,000 pixels x 3) and separates the light received through the lens into the three primary colors – red, green and blue – processing each independently. The sensor shoots 14.2-megapixel still images (in Still Image mode) and 13.3-megapixel still images from recorded video. Even with this high pixel count, newly developed technology increases sensitivity and reduces noise by one-half to achieve vivid images with minimal noise. As a result, Panasonic’s 3MOS system enables excellent color reproduction, high resolution, rich gradation, and lets the user capture vividly colored images in bright or darkly-lit places.

The Panasonic HDC-TM700 and HDC-HS700 HD camcorders feature the newly designed, large-diameter F1.5 (46mm) Leica Dicomor lens, which provides the superb image rendering and not only suppresses ghosts and flare, but also minimizes the distortion and degradation of contrast and resolution. In addition, its 35mm** wide-angle capability makes it ideal for many different shooting situations, such as self-portraits, group photos, and landscape shots.

Both models feature a 12x optical zoom lens, which is further enhanced by Intelligent Resolution Technology to extend the zoom to an 18x Intelligent Zoom. The Intelligent Zoom corrects image degradation in ordinary digital zooming, extending the camera’s zoom ration to approximately 1.3x, while maintaining the image quality, thus delivering stunningly clear full-HD images***.

Both models feature a 3.0″ touch-screen LCD that allows users to navigate by selecting icons on the display. These models also have a manual ring allowing creative flexibility, so users have intuitive control of the zoom, focus, aperture, shutter speed and white balance. An Electronic View Finder, earphone terminal and microphone terminal allow for even more control. The HDC-HS700 records to its 240 GB HDD, which can store 102 hours of recording (in HE mode). When combined with Panasonic’s new 64 GB SDXC Memory Card, the camcorder provides an additional recording time of 27 hours and 30 minutes. The HDC-TM700 has a 32 GB built-in memory for 13 hours and 40 minutes of recording (in HE mode).

Other features of the Panasonic HDC-HS700 and HDC-TM700 include:

* Power O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) – Uses gyro sensors to detect hand-shake to reduce blurring. When the camcorder is held, it moves at low frequency due to the breathing of the operator or other slight movement. POWER O.I.S. corrects even the slightest movement approximately five times more effectively than the previous version.
* iA (Intelligent Auto) – Function that automatically selects the most suitable shooting mode at the press of a button, and this year iA adds Face Recognition, which finds the faces of registered people and automatically optimizes the focus and exposure for them. In addition, the camcorder continues to track this subject as the person moves anywhere within the LCD frame. Up to six faces can be registered.
* Smile Shot – Feature that automatically takes a still photo during video recording when it detects a smiling face.
* 5.1-Channel Surround Sound System with Zoom Microphone – Uses five microphones so when voices/sounds recorded from front, right, left and back are played back on a 5.1-channel home theatre system, viewers are surrounded by clear, detailed sound. The Zoom Microphone lets users zoom the sound only to hear the subject while continuing to record a wide-angle shot.
* Wind Noise Canceller – An evolution from the previous wind noise reduction system, this advanced function automatically detects and suppresses wind noise only, to ensure only the natural sounds of the shooting environment remain.
* Auto Power LCD – Automatically adjusts the brightness of the LCD screen according to the shooting environment. In dark places, the screen brightness is reduced to 1/3 the normal level to minimize the possibility of disturbing nearby people. In bright outdoor places, the screen brightness is increased to twice the normal level.

Pricing and availability for the Panasonic HDC-HS700 and HDC-TM700 will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date. Both will be available in black.

* GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes. Usable capacity will be less.

** 35mm-lens equivalent.

*** Approximately 810 TV lines. 1920 horizontal pixels x 1080 vertical pixels.

If you’ve seen our post on the “N89” codename in the iPhone OS SDK, a tipster has just taken a look at the MediaValidator.plist file  - it reveals several enlightening stats: the maximum video width is up from 768 pixels to 1280, and the maximum number of pixels per frame is up to 921,600, resulting in a 1280 x 720 resolution. The device’s AVC profile has been bumped from 3.0 to 3.1, too, which adds support for 720p.  Seems like everything points to the direction of HD video – thoughts?

It’s capable of submersion in up to 10m of water, withstanding 2m drops and -10 degree centigrade temperatures, as well as boasting dust resistance.  The 2.7-inch LCD display gets a 1.3x thicker cover than the last-gen TS1.

As for the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS7, that has a 12.1-megapixel sensor and 12x optical zoom, along with GPS geotagging and super-speedy autofocus/shutter-release.  Panasonic have also preloaded it with over 500,000 landmarks, which can be added to image metadata if nearby.  It and the LUMIX DMC-ZR3 – which measures 1-inch thick but has an 8x optical zoom and HD video capture – both get the somewhat bizarre “Happy Mode”, which automatically tweaks color, saturation and brightness so that photos and video look “more vivid”.  Think of it as the photography version of Xanax.

No prices or release dates for any of the three new models.

Press Release:

PANASONIC’S RUGGED DIGITAL CAMERA GETS TOUGHER – WATERPROOF TO 33 FEET, FREEZEPROOF, SHOCKPROOF*1 – WITH THE ABILITY TO RECORD HIGH DEFINITION VIDEO

New Panasonic LUMIX TS2 Features a Rugged Design, Allowing for Extreme Outdoor Use, Yet Still Easy to Use to Capture High Quality Photos

Secaucus, NJ (January 26, 2010) – Panasonic today introduced the new LUMIX DMC-TS2, a successor to the company’s first rugged digital camera designed for active outdoor use, the LUMIX DMC-TS1. Featuring High Definition video recording capability, in the AVCHD Lite format, the new 14.1-megapixel LUMIX TS2 further strengthens its toughness when compared to its predecessor and is waterproof to 33 feet (10m), shockproof to 10 feet (2m), freezeproof to 14° F (-10° C) and dustproof*1.

“We have been very pleased to see that consumers found true value in Panasonic’s first rugged digital camera, knowing that they could take it on their outdoor adventures where it could withstand drops, water and dust. But even more, we saw that users enjoyed our LUMIX TS1 for their daily photo needs – they were able to take high-quality video and photo without worrying if they casually tossed it in their bag or used it in the rain,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The new LUMIX TS2 gets tougher and we expect it to be a key product in 2010, as its rugged features are becoming even more desirable for active users, especially with this year’s new freezeproof capabilities. Families will enjoy this digital camera, both for their own outdoor activities, vacations, but also so they can allow children to take photos without the anxiety they might otherwise feel of damage.”

With its enhanced toughness, The LUMIX TS2 features an airtight body protected against water immersion, dust and sand. The new model is waterproof to a depth of 33 feet and dustproof, which can be attributed to its rubber padding and reinforced glass and carbon inside the camera. Furthermore, the LUMIX TS2′s cover panel for the LCD is thickened by 1.3x compared to the predecessor LUMIX TS1 to withstand increased pressure underwater. The LUMIX TS2 is shockproof, encased with shock-resistant material, and its folded optics design protects its lens when dropped during operation. Furthermore, the lens unit is protected by a supplementary damper to absorb the force from shock impact. Also, all components including the lens unit, have been tested to endure temperatures as low as14°F (-10°C). For increased durability, the Panasonic LUMIX TS2 will come with an optional silicon jacket that helps protect its exterior from scratches.

The Panasonic LUMIX TS2 features Sonic Speed AF (Auto Focus), which enables a super-fast response time, and a shutter release time lag as short as approximately 0.005 second. With the camera’s quick response, it is easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. Combining that with the Sonic Speed AF (Auto Focus) that lets users lock on the subject in approximately 0.24 second(wide-end) / 0.28 second (tele-end)*2 and the short startup time of approximately 1.1 second.

The Panasonic LUMIX TS2 features new image processing technology, Intelligent Resolution, which is incorporated in its Venus Engine HD II. With Intelligent Resolution technology, three areas – outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation – are examined pixel by pixel and automatically detected to enhance any degradation created during the digital zoom process or in high-sensitivity shooting, when details in an image tend to get lost in the noise reduction process. The outline areas are enhanced effectively to give the edges more clarity, while simultaneously giving a moderate accent to the textured areas so it looks accurately detailed. To the soft gradation area, such as a face, the increased noise reduction system of the Venus Engine HD II is applied to make it smoother. As a result of Intelligent Resolution, images are naturally clear and crisp in both photo and video recording. The Intelligent Resolution technology powers Panasonic’s new Intelligent Zoom feature, which extends the camera’s zoom ratio by approximately 1.3x while maintaining the picture quality – and enhancing the digital zoom and making it comparable to the quality of an optical zoom. Thus, with Intelligent Zoom, the Panasonic TS2 features a total zoom up to 6x.

The LUMIX TS2 features a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO ELMAR lens that extends to a 4.6x optical zoom, giving consumers great shooting range. The wide-angle lens provides flexibility for all shooting scenarios, especially useful underwater where movement is often restricted and the shooting angle becomes important for composing shots. The LUMIX TS2 features a 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD with a wide-viewing angle that ensures high visibility during recording and playback, thanks to its automatic brightness control depending on the lighting conditions. Also, the LUMIX TS2 features a built-in LED light, which is extremely convenient when shooting in dark situations, such as underwater.

The LUMIX TS2 can record HD video in Motion JPEG and AVCHD Lite– with the latter format almost doubling the recording time in HD quality compared with the Motion JPEG format. To complement the HD video capabilities, the Panasonic LUMIX TS2 features Dolby Digital Stereo Creator, which enables high quality audio.

The Panasonic LUMIX TS2 features iA (Intelligent Auto) modem, a popular feature on LUMIX digital cameras, making them intuitive to use without changing any settings, as the technologies engage automatically. For instance, iA incorporates Panasonic’s POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), which doubles the repression power compared to the conventional image stabilization system, MEGA O.I.S.

Other technologies incorporated into the LUMIX TS2’s iA mode include:
Face Recognition – With new enhancements when compared to previous editions, Face Recognition allows users to register up to three different images for a person, helping to improve detection accuracy. Face detection is also included for up to 15 faces.
Intelligent Scene Selector – Automatically selects whichever of 6 Scene Modes – Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and newly added Sunset – best suits the shooting situation.
Other iA Technologies: Intelligent Resolution and Intelligent Zoom, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control and Intelligent Exposure.

Panasonic’s iA is also available in video mode, and it automatically selects the most suitable Scene mode and helps to reduce blur due to handshake and improves focus, brightness and exposure. In addition, iA in video mode features Intelligent Scene Selector, which automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Macro, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the shooting environment.

Other features of the Panasonic LUMIX TS2 include:
Happy Mode – New Scene mode that optimizes color, saturation and brightness to make both photo and video more vivid and true to the color the users remember when they took it.
High Dynamic – New mode is newly added to the existing Scene modes. This mode helps to capture a scene with moderate exposure, even though the scene contains both bright and dark area together. The user can select one of three options, Standard, Art, or B/W, depending on the desired effect and personal taste to make the photo look natural to artistic.
Compatibility – Compatible with SDXC Memory Cards, including Panasonic’s newly announced 64 GB*3 and 48 GB SDXC Memory Cards – to enable high capacity content storage and fast data transfer speeds. Also compatible with Windows 7*4.
Video Divide – Users can divide video into two sections to shorten or delete the unwanted clips directly on the camera. Users can also grab a still image from a video – all within the menus on the camera.
Battery Life – Can take up to 360 images on a single battery charge*5.

Pricing and availability for the Panasonic LUMIX TS2 will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date. The Panasonic LUMIX TS2 will be available in silver, blue, orange and yellow.

*1 When used according to Panasonic’s operating guidelines, waterproof to a depth of 10m and dustproof in accordance with IEC60529 standard. Shockproof from a height up to 2.0m in accordance with the “MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock” test standard. All components including the lens unit are evaluated to endure the temperature as low as -10 degrees C to make the TS2 freezeproof.
*2 Using 1-area AF.
*3 1GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes. Usable capacity will be less. SDXC Memory Cards can only be used in SDXC host devices, which support the SDXC Memory Card.
*4 Windows and the Windows logo are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.
*5 Based on the CIPA standard.

* Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
*Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.
*The LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lenses are manufactured using measurement instruments and quality assurance systems that have been certified by Leica Camera AG based on the company’s quality standards.
*The “AVCHD Lite” and the “AVCHD Lite” logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
* AVCHD Lite motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD disc cannot be played from a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.
*Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

Press Release:

PANASONIC UNVEILS THE WORLD’S SMALLEST PHOTO/VIDEO HYBRID SUPERZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA*1 COMPLETE WITH A 25MM WIDE-ANGLE LEICA LENS AND POWERFUL 12X OPTICAL ZOOM

With New Built-In GPS Feature, Panasonic LUMIX ZS7 Digital Camera is Ultimate Travel Companion, Allowing Users to Geo-Tag Photos and Videos

Secaucus, NJ (January 26, 2010) – Panasonic today introduces the LUMIX DMC-ZS7, the newest member of the acclaimed superzoom ZS-Series of digital cameras that have gained worldwide popularity. Complete with its hallmark 25mm ultra-wide-angle Leica lens and a powerful 12x optical zoom (operable in video recording mode), this 12.1-megapixel powerhouse performer, also includes a new built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) feature that embeds photos and videos with the latitude and longitude location details, a useful feature when using an online photo-sharing website. The LUMIX ZS7 is also the world’s smallest photo/video hybrid superzoom digital camera*1, which can also record High Definition (HD) video using the recording capability in AVCHD Lite, which includes a dedicated video record button and new to the ZS-Series is a manual shooting mode.

“As a successor to the Panasonic LUMIX ZS3, which was last year’s most popular compact model, we are confident the Panasonic LUMIX ZS7 will continue the success, thanks to big features like HD video, 12x optical zoom and the newly added GPS capabilities and it’s super-fast Auto Focusing,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Panasonic is excited to introduce our first GPS-enabled digital camera, and it adds to the ZS7’s appeal as the ultimate travel companion – from its range of shooting options, both far and wide, and now the ability to record exactly where photos were taken. We are confident consumers will have all the features they need to capture high quality photos and video and share their travels with their friends and family.”

The Panasonic LUMIX ZS7 features Sonic Speed AF (Auto Focus), which enables a super-fast response time, and a shutter release time lag as short as approximately 0.006 second. The camera’s quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities and together with the Sonic Speed AF that lets users lock on the subject minimum in approximately 0.35 second (wide-end) / 0.41 second (tele-end)*3. The LUMIX ZS7 also features a short startup time of approximately 1.1 second.

With the new GPS feature, the Panasonic LUMIX ZS7 is the ultimate travel companion, and can record the latitude and longitude in the EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) data, while also displaying the location information real-time while shooting and during playback. These geo-tagged images can be pinpointed on maps common in photo-sharing websites and social media sites – so travels can be archived and also visually represented on a map – and easily shared with friends and family. The Panasonic LUMIX ZS7 also shows the name of the city, country and state, and information for more than 500,000 popular landmarks, covering 73 countries, are stored in the camera’s internal memory. For instance, when users are taking photos of the Eiffel Tower or Empire State Building, landmarks stored within the camera, these locations will be displayed on the screen while taking it and tagged in the data. Users can also refer to the locations using the included software PHOTOfunSTUDIO HD Edition Version 5.1. The LUMIX ZS7 automatically adjusts its internal clock to the local time, so there’s no need to set the clock manually when traveling.

The Panasonic LUMIX ZS7 also features a new image processing technology, Intelligent Resolution, which is incorporated in its Venus Engine HD. With the Intelligent Resolution technology, three areas – outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation – are examined pixel by pixel and automatically detected to enhance any degradation created during the digital zoom process or in high-sensitivity shooting. The outline areas are enhanced effectively to give the edges more clarity, while simultaneously giving a moderate accent to the textured areas so it looks accurately detailed. To the soft gradation area, such as a face, the increased noise reduction system of the Venus Engine HD II is applied to make it smoother. As a result of Intelligent Resolution, images are naturally clear and crisp in both photo and video recording. The Intelligent Resolution technology powers Panasonic’s new Intelligent Zoom feature, which extends the camera’s zoom ratio by approximately 1.3x while maintaining the picture quality – and enhancing the digital zoom and making it comparable to the quality of an optical zoom. With Intelligent Zoom, the Panasonic ZS7 features a total zoom range up to16x.

For more advanced users, the Panasonic LUMIX ZS7 adds manual control features, allowing for adjustments in shutter speed, aperture and exposure – and encouraging more creative photography options. For digital camera users looking for an easy-to-use setting that still ensures high quality photos, Panasonic’s iA (Intelligent Auto) mode is the solution. Panasonic iA is a popular feature on LUMIX digital cameras, making them intuitive to use without changing any settings, as technologies engage automatically. For instance, iA incorporates Panasonic’s POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), which doubles the repression power compared to the conventional image stabilization system, MEGA O.I.S.

Other technologies incorporated into the LUMIX ZS7’s iA mode include:
Face Recognition – With new enhancements when compared to previous editions, Face Recognition allows users to register up to three different images for a person, helping to improve detection accuracy. Face detection is also included for up to 15 faces.
Intelligent Scene Selector – Automatically selects whichever of 6 Scene Modes – Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and newly added Sunset – best suits the shooting situation.
Other iA Technologies: Intelligent Resolution and Intelligent Zoom, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control and Intelligent Exposure.

Panasonic’s iA is also available in video mode, and it automatically selects the most suitable Scene mode and helps to reduce blur due to handshake and improves focus, brightness and exposure. In addition, iA in video mode features Intelligent Scene Selector, which automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Macro, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the shooting environment.

The LUMIX ZS7 can record AVCHD Lite HD video, which almost doubles the recording time in HD quality compared with the Motion JPEG format. To complement the HD video capabilities, the Panasonic LUMIX ZS7 also features Dolby Digital Stereo Creator to record high quality audio. Also, the Panasonic LUMIX ZS7 has a 3.0”, high resolution 460,000-dot Intelligent LCD with a wide-viewing angle with excellent visibility during recording and playback.

Other features of the Panasonic LUMIX ZS7 include:
Happy Mode – New Scene mode that optimizes color, saturation and brightness to make both photo and video more vivid and true to the color the users remember when they took it.
High Dynamic – Newly added to the existing Scene modes. This mode helps to capture a scene with moderate exposure, even though the scene contains both bright and dark area together. The user can select one of three options, Standard, Art, or B/W, depending on the desired effect and personal taste to make the photo look natural to artistic.
Compatibility – Compatible with SDXC Memory Cards, including Panasonic’s newly announced 64 GB*3 and 48 GB SDXC Memory Cards – to enable high capacity content storage and fast data transfer speeds. Also compatible with Windows 7*4.
Video Divide – Users can divide video into two sections to shorten or delete the unwanted clips directly on the camera. Users can also grab a still image from a video – all within the menus on the camera.
Battery Life – Can take up to 340 images on a single battery charge*5.

Panasonic also introduces the LUMIX DMC-ZS5, which like the LUMIX ZS7, features a 25mm ultra-wide angle Leica lens, 12x optical zoom and manual controls. Distinguishing it from the LUMIX ZS7, the LUMIX ZS5, has a 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD, records HD video in Motion JPG at 30fps, and has a high performance Venus Engine VI. Battery life on the LUMIX ZS5 has approximately 330 photos and does not include GPS capabilities.

Pricing and availability for the Panasonic LUMIX ZS7 and LUMIX ZS5 will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date. The Panasonic LUMIX ZS7 will be available in silver, black, red and blue models; while the Panasonic LUMIX ZS5 will be available in black and silver.

*1 Superzoom defined as digital camera with a 10x optical zoom and greater; single lens digital camera as of January 26, 2010.
*2 Using 1-area AF.
*31 GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes. Usable capacity will be less. SDXC Memory Cards can only be used in SDXC host devices, which support the SDXC Memory Card.
*4 Windows and the Windows logo are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.
*5 Based on the CIPA standard.

Press Release:

PANASONIC INTRODUCES SUPER COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERA FEATURING AVCHD LITE HD VIDEO RECORDING CAPABILITY

Panasonic LUMIX ZR3 includes 25mm ultra-wide-angle Leica lens and powerful 8x optical zoom in a slim and portable body

SECAUCUS, NJ (January 26, 2010) – Panasonic today announced the introduction of the LUMIX DMC-ZR3, a fully-featured digital camera complete with AVCHD Lite High Defintion (HD) video recording capabilities, a25mm ultra-wide-angle Leica lens and a powerful 8x optical zoom – giving consumers a wide-range of shooting options, yet in a slim body that is small enough to fit in a pocket or small purse. New to the ZR-Series this year, Panasonic also introduces Intelligent Zoom, which extends the LUMIX ZR3’s zoom to an impressive 10x.

The Panasonic LUMIX ZR3’s incredible 8x optical zoom is not found on many conventional point-and-shoot cameras, especially ones that are approximately 1-inch thick. With a powerful zoom, users will be thrilled with the close-up shots they are able to take. And for an added boost, zoom power can be increased to 10x with Panasonic’s new Intelligent Zoom function, which takes advantage of the newly-added Intelligent Resolution technology. Intelligent Resolution, a component of Intelligent Auto mode, helps to maintain optimal picture quality by capturing higher quality signal processing and through the detection of three areas – outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation – examining them pixel by pixel to enhance any degradation created during the digital zoom process or in high-sensitivity shooting. As a result of Intelligent Resolution, images are naturally clear and crisp in both photo and video recording.

“The 2010 Panasonic LUMIX lineup of digital cameras pack advanced functions into smaller, more compact bodies without compromising the ability to take high quality photos and video,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronic Company. “With a remarkable 8x optical zoom power, sleek design, HD video capabilities, the LUMIX ZR3 is a compact and versatile camera that is also extremely easy and intuitive to use.”

The LUMIX ZR3 takes video recording to the next level with its AVCHD Lite HD video format. Featuring double the recording time in HD quality compared to the conventional Motion JPEG format, and offering Dolby Digital Stereo Creator to record high-quality audio, the LUMIX ZR3 is perfect for capturing those spur-of-the-moment video opportunities in high-quality. With the newly-added Video Divide function, users can cut their video into two sections on the spot – within the menus of the camera – to shorten or delete the unwanted half.

Continuing with the trademark iA mode, Panasonic has incorporated this intuitive and innovative feature into the LUMIX ZR3. Working to enhance the potential of all photos and videos, iA mode automatically selects the best Scene mode, and also helps to correct handshake and any focus or brightness issues.

Other technologies incorporated into the LUMIX ZR3’s iA mode include:
• Face Recognition – Allows users to register various faces, helping to improve detection accuracy of friends and family.
• Happy Mode – New color mode that optimizes color, saturation and brightness, to make both photos and videos more vivid and true to the color originally experienced.
• Other iA Technologies – Intelligent Resolution and Intelligent Zoom, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control and Intelligent Exposure.

The LUMIX ZR3 features a super-fast AF (Auto Focus) speed of 0.26 second (wide-end) / 0.31 second (tele-end)*1. This combined with a high-speed start-up of just 1.1 second, gives the LUMIX ZR3 an ultra-fast response that helps to catch even the most fleeting photo opportunities. Additionally, the 2.7-inch large Intelligent LCD screen offers a dynamic, clear view and automatically adjusts its own brightness level. Also, the LUMIX ZR3 accepts the SD/SDHC Memory Card, but is also compatible with the next-generation SDXC Memory Cards, which feature a high-potential in both capacity and data-transfer speed.

Pricing and availability for the Panasonic LUMIX ZR3 will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date. The Panasonic LUMIX ZR3 will be available in silver, black, red and blue. For more information on Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.

*1 Using 1-area AF.

*The “AVCHD” is a high definition (HD) digital video recording / playback format jointly established by Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation. The “AVCHD Lite” is a subset of the “AVCHD format” for HD digital video cameras with HD video recording restricted to 720P. The new “AVCHD Lite” Logo and the “AVCHD Lite” License are restricted to devices within the AVCHD Video Camera category. Digital cameras have been added to the AVCHD Video Camera category.
*The “AVCHD Lite” and the “AVCHD Lite” logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
*SD Speed Class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing.
*Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.
*The LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lenses are manufactured using measurement instruments and quality assurance systems that have been certified by Leica Camera AG based on the company’s quality standards.
*Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
*Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

The faceVsion FV TouchCam) N1 camera, with an embedded H.264 codec chip and dual microphones supporting beamforming techniques, offers synchronized, crystal clear 720P HD video and superior audio quality. The FV TouchCam(TM) N1 connects to a PC using a USB plug and comes with a flexible universal base. Its portability enables mobile users to stay connected in HD at anywhere, anytime.

Other than Skype, the new Webcam is confirm to work with other instant messaging applications such as Yahoo or Windows Live Messenger.  The FV TouchCam N1 will be available later this month on FaceVsion’s website for $129.



HDGuru reports that DirecTV is set to offer the first broadcast 3D channel in America in 2010. The new channel will be courtesy of the new satellite that is scheduled to launch. The channel will offer a hodgepodge of sports, movies, and other content in full HD 3D quality.

Of course, you will probably need a new converter to enjoy the 3D programming and you will certainly need a new 3D display. The 3D display should be taken care of with a glut being unveiled at CES in a week or so. I can’t wait for 3D to come home!

The Canon EOS 7D has an 18-megapixel 22.3 x 14.9 mm APC-S CMOS sensor with a 1.6x focal length, and can shoot 8fps stills or up to 1080p HD (at 24, 25 or 30 fps) or 720p HD (50 or 59.94 fps) video. ISO ranges from 100 to 6,400, with an “H” setting offering 12,800, and there’s a new 19-point autofocus system that allows you to specify broader AF zones (as opposed to a single point) together with default focus settings for landscape and portrait orientations. Inside there are two of Canon’s DIGIC 4 processors.

Around the back there’s a 3-inch, 920k pixel LCD display along with Canon’s first viewfinder with 100-percent field of view and 1x magnification. There are more hardware controls, too, including a useful dedicated JPEG/RAW button (that captures the next shot taken in both formats), while the EOS 5D’s row of under-LCD controls have been moved to the left-hand edge, and the whole thing is weatherproof (though not to be confused with weather-resistant). At 148 x 111 x 74 mm and 860g it’s roughly the same size as the Nikon D300, though slightly heavier, and feels well constructed and sturdy.

In use, the new autofocus system quickly displays its worth. Faster than on previous Canon DSLRs and generally highly accurate, there was a slight learning curve involved since the company have altered the appearance of the system and the way you flick between the various AF modes. As before you can shoot in single point and spot modes, but there’s also the and AF point expansion and AF zone settings that tracks a larger group of points or a group that can be offset from the centre using the small joystick.

Of course, with a 1.6x crop factor to the APS-C sensor, the risk is one of extra noise in the final shots, especially when you start to increase the ISO levels. Happily the EOS 7D does an excellent job of processing out noise thanks to the dual DIGIC 4 chips, avoiding unnecessary blurring that we observed in shots from the EOS 5D. There’s also more detail in the images. Considering most of the time the results from the DSLR will be viewed on-screen in relatively small sizes, we prefer the output from the EOS 7D rather than its sibling.

With 1080p HD video recording, Canon have given the EOS 7D a more obvious camcorder mode. A switch just to the right of the viewfinder toggles between Live View and camcorder, with a center start/stop button for triggering the mode. A mini HDMI output is included under a rubber flap on the left-hand side of the 7D, along with PC sync and a remote terminal port, a microphone input, A/V output and USB 2.0 connector.

Canon have squeezed various manual settings into the EOS 7D’s camcorder mode, including exposure, shutter speed and aperture, and you can capture stills during video recording. The results are impressive, generally smooth, though we noticed a few jagged edges intruding into faster pans when recording in the 720p mode. Still, compared to video-recording on the Nikon D300S, the function feels more rounded and mature on the Canon.

Despite lacking a full-frame sensor, picture and video quality are pretty much consistently impressive from the EOS 7D. Auto-focus is incredibly swift and reassuringly accurate, with only very rare adjustments required, while despite the tightly-packed high megapixel sensor the camera handles noise and detail admirably. Continuous shooting mode can grab JPEGs for as long as you can be bothered holding down the shutter-release (assuming you have a swift enough memory card) and build quality neatly straddles the line between reassuringly hefty and usably comfortable.

It’s hard to argue with the Canon EOS 7D. If you’re a prosumer photographer who, until now, has carried a separate HD video camera, then the 7D could easily lighten your load. Although the sensor may not be full-frame, the end results are excellent up until you’re asking for very large, very high-megapixel prints. Such users are a microcosm of the DSLR world, though, and for the rest of us there’s sufficient flexibility and precision that the 7D satisfies pretty much most that you could ask of it. At $1,700 it’s comparable to the Nikon D300S but offers more megapixels and 1080p HD video recording (versus just 720p on the D300S). If you’ve invested in a bag full of lenses for your Nikon then we wouldn’t go so far as to suggest you eBay them and jump ship to Canon, but if you’re considering a new DSLR and value video as well as image quality, we reckon the EOS 7D edges ahead.

Sample Images taken with Canon EOS 7D and Canon 85mm 1.8 @ ISO 400 f/4.0

Sample video with Canon 17-40mm F/4.0L Lens